Cute Puppies

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Swans And Black Swans

Swans, genus Cygnus, are birds of the family Anatidae, which also includes geese and ducks. Swans are grouped with the closely related geese in the subfamily Anserinae where they form the tribe Cygnini. Sometimes, they are considered a distinct subfamily, Cygninae. There are six to seven species of swan in the genus Cygnus; in addition there is another species known as the Coscoroba Swan, although this species is no longer considered related to the true swans. Swans usually mate for life, though 'divorce' does sometimes occur, particularly following nesting failure. The number of eggs in each clutch ranges from three to eight.

The Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) is a large waterbird, a species of swan, which breeds mainly in the southeast and southwest regions of Australia. The species was hunted to extinction in New Zealand, but later reintroduced. Within Australia they are nomadic, with erratic migration patterns dependent upon climatic conditions. Black Swans are large birds with mostly black plumage and red bills. They are monogamous breeders that share incubation duties and cygnet rearing between the sexes.

Described scientifically by English naturalist John Latham in 1790, the Black Swan was formerly placed into a monotypic genus, Chenopis. Black Swans can be found singly, or in loose companies numbering into the hundreds or even thousands. Black Swans are popular birds in zoological gardens and bird collections, and escapees are sometimes seen outside their natural range.

Guilin Mountains

The Guilin Mountains and surrounding area is one of the most inspirational spots for poets and artists in the world. Limestone mountains and incredible rock formations spring up in various shapes and sizes all along the Li River. Seven-star Park, which covers an area of 100 hectares, features rivers, caves, the Seven Star Peaks, Morning of Camel Hill, Crescent Rainbow Shadow, and Putuo Stone Forest.

The Guilin Mountains and Seven-Star Park area also features scenic features like Flower Bridge, Longyin Cave, Zenggong Stong, Crescent Stone, Camel Hill, Longyin Stone, and Flower Bridge.

The Morning Glory, Rare Meteorological Phenomenon

The Morning Glory cloud is a rare meteorological phenomenon occasionally observed in different locations around the world. The southern part of Northern Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria is the only known location where it can be predicted and observed on a more or less regular basis. The settlement of Burketown attracts glider pilots intent on riding this phenomenon.

Despite being studied extensively, the Morning Glory cloud is not clearly understood.
Regardless of the complexity behind the nature of this atmospheric phenomenon, some conclusions have been made about its causes. Through research, one of the main causes of most Morning Glory occurrences is the mesoscale circulations associated with sea breezes that develop over the peninsula and the gulf. On the large scale, Morning Glories are usually associated with frontal systems crossing central Australia and high pressure in northern Australia. Locals have noted that the Morning Glory is likely to occur when the humidity in the area is high, which provides moisture for the cloud to form, and when strong sea breezes have blown the preceding day.

Funnel cloud is also very interesting and you can also check out this funny cloud post.

Mount Danxia, Famous Scenic Area

Mount Danxia is a famous scenic area near Shaoguan city in the northern part of Guangdong, China. The Danxia mountain is formed from a reddish sandstone which has been eroded over time into a series of mountains surrounded by curvaceous cliffs and many unusual rock formations (Danxia Landform). It is described in local signage as a "world famous UNESCO geopark of China". There are a number of temples located on the mountains and many scenic walks can be undertaken. There is also a river winding through the mountains on which boat trips can be taken to enjoy the scenery.

Hawaii Surfing, Dangerous Waves

Hawaii surfing has long been part of Polynesian culture. A sport reserved for royalty, the ancients would move from their winter homes in the north shore to their summer retreats in the south of the islands to pick up the best waves all year round. The sport was popularized by Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku in the 1920's, whose statue claims prize position on Waikiki's waterfront.

Hawaii surfing waves have two distinct seasons. The biggest hit the north shores of all the islands between November and March, generated from winter storms around Alaska. The first landmass the resulting waves hit to the south are the Hawaii Islands, a distance of over 5000km, by which time the waves can be massive. The lie of the land and ocean floor on Oahu's north shore are particularly favourable to receiving monster waves and endless barrels. The north shore of Maui (Hookipa Beach) receives the best of the wind-surfing conditions.

By summer, the waves on the north shores are as flat as glass and unimaginable for surfing. But things are different on the south shores. Tropical storms in the south pacific send waves northwards and reach the exposed south shores of all islands between June and October. These waves are not as intense as the winter waves that hit the north shores, but the south coast of Oahu (including Waikiki Beach) and Kauai (Poipu Beach) have particularly favourable conditions for surfing and excellent boogie boarding.

Oahu surfing is fabled for its monster waves between October and March and its world surfing championships. The small town of Haleiwa is a mecca for travelling surfers with several large surf board rentals and good breaks at Haleiwa Beach Park where there are camping facilities. The biggest breaks are along Sunset Beach to the east of Haleiwa. The Banzai Pipeline is probably the best known surfing break in the world with its excellent tubes and surging crest. Sunset Rip is another notorious break and is the venue for several international competitions. The surf at Sunset Beach is summer is remarkably calm and placid and is ironically a good scuba diving and snorkelling area. Other good winter surfing sites are along the west coast, especially around the small village of Makaha where international surfing competitions are held.

Waikiki Beach has excellent year round surfing for beginners and is the best place to ride the waves in the summer months when the north shore waters become tame. Waikiki Beach has numerous surfing schools and board rentals. The best boogie boarding and body surfing beaches are along the south east corner of Oahu, including the best and most dangerous spot at Sandy Beach. Waikiki Beach also has great boogie boarding breaks.

Kauai is an excellent surfing spot for beginners with reliable waves on the south coast at Poipu most of the year as well as at the protected bay at Kalapaki Beach on the south east coast. The winter months can bring on monster waves to the north east coast where the surf is at its roughest and experienced surfers will be seen challenging them at Kealia Beach. Wind-surfing and kite-boarding are excellent around Kailua on the east coast.

Big Island surfing has the least appeal of the Hawaiian Islands, although there are several excellent breaks at Waipio on the north coast and at Papeekeo just north of Hilo on the east coast. There are several reasonable breaks also at Keauhopu just south of Kailua Town on the west coast.

In Maui, the best spots for surfing are off the north shore between Hookipa Beach and Baldwin Park (summer surfing is good) and Napili Bay. Beginners will find Kealia Beach in Kihei (west coast) a great place to learn. Winds pick up in the afternoons so if you are not experienced, go early. Body surfing is good at Lahaina harbour. Maui also has the very best wind-surfing spot at Hookipa Beach on the north shore and is the location of several world championships between March and May.